Music as an Act of Worship

The subjects usually considered of first importance to the ministerial student in our schools are the various lines of English, Bible, a knowledge of Greek and Hebrew, public speaking, methods in pastoral work, and kin­dred studies. It is imperative that the minis­ter specialize in these important studies, as he can never become too mighty in the Scriptures and in personal evangelism.

The study of music, however, has a right to be placed as high in importance as some of these other subjects. In fact, we are told con­cerning the schools of the prophets in Israel, that the "chief subjects of study were the law of God, with the instructions given to Moses, sacred history, sacred music, and poetry."—"Fundamentals of Christian Education," p. 97. Thus the study of sacred music is listed among the major subjects studied in these schools.

"The art of sacred melody was diligently cul­tivated. No frivolous waltz was heard, nor flippant song that should extol man and divert the attention from God; but sacred, solemn psalms of praise to the Creator, exalting His name and recounting His wondrous works. Thus music was made to serve a holy purpose, to lift the thought to that which was pure and noble and elevating, and to awaken in the soul devotion and gratitude to God."—Id., pp. 97, 98.

There is no doubt that music was an impor­tant part of the life of Israel. David is an out­standing product of this educational system in which music was turned to serve a holy pur­pose. One of the most loved books of the Bible, the Psalms, is a product of inspired music and poetry. This hymn book of Israel is one of the most quoted books of the Bible, and has brought consolation and courage to thousands.

It is from the Psalms that we get such coun­sel as this:

"It is good to sing praises unto our God!" Ps. 147:1. "Oh, sing unto Jehovah a new song; for He hath done marvelous things. . . . 'Make a joyful noise unto Jehovah, all the earth: break forth and sing for joy, yea, sing praises. Sing praises unto Jehovah with the harp; with the harp and the voice of melody. With trum­pets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the King, Jehovah." Ps. 98:1, 4-6.

In order for the musical part of our services' to be most effective and most pleasing to God, the minister should understand something of the art of sound, and how music can be made to minister to worship. In the world, music is looked upon mainly as a means of entertain­ment. While this is a legitimate use of music in the secular field, we have fallen far short of its spiritual possibilities if we look upon music simply as a means of attracting people to our meetings and as a method of entertain­ing them.

The minister should know the relative merits of the piano and the organ as a church instru­ment. He should understand the place of or­chestral instruments in religious work. He should know what kinds of music should be considered religious and suitable for church work. He should realize that the proper use of music in the service gives it a far greater dignity than is implied in the designation of the musical part as the "preliminaries."

Instrumental music should serve a religious purpose in our meetings, else it should be ex­cluded from the service. The minister who understands these facts will be conscious of the power that instrumental music of the right kind exerts upon his congregation.

Hymn singing is an act of worship, and should be treated accordingly. Indifference to this part of worship is on a par with half­heartedness in the public prayer.

A very important field of study for the min­ister is that of hymnology. He should know his hymn book,, its background of experience, the types of music found therein, how the va­rious hymns should be sung to be most effec­tive, and how various hymns have been soul-winning hymns. There are hymns that are good, bad, and indifferent, and hymns for va­rious occasions. The minister should know these things if his ministry would be most effective.

Many times a sermon of great spiritual power and beauty is followed by a hymn of trivial sentiment and cheap music, which tends to neutralize the effect of the sermon. How much more effective if a hymn suited to the occasion had been selected.

It is very helpful to the minister to have a practical knowledge of the piano or of some other instrument. A knowledge of singing is also essential, and should be acquired if at all possible. Both Luther and Wesley were above the average in their knowledge of music, the Reformation under these men of God being aided greatly by this means. They understood the value of using good music in connection with the preaching of the word.

It is not new songs and hymns which we need so much as it is a new realization of the dignified place which music should occupy in the worship of God. If we sensed fully the meaning in the statement that the musical part of the service is an act of worship, we would he successful in making music the hand­maid of religion.

Berrien Springs. Mich.